The farmers' movements in the late 1800s had a significant impact on both the economy and politics of the United States. Economically, farmers were facing hardship due to falling crop prices, high interest rates, and high transportation costs. This led to the formation of organizations such as the Farmers' Alliance and the National Grange, which sought to address these issues through collective action and lobbying for government intervention. Politically, the farmers' movements paved the way for the rise of the Populist Party, which called for reforms such as the regulation of railroads, the creation of a national currency backed by silver, and direct election of senators. The Populist Party was able to gain significant support from farmers and working-class Americans, influencing the political landscape and leading to the implementation of some of their reform ideas in the following decades.
